Interior fitting for freight cars



Dec. 30, 1941. s. E. HEBERT 2,268,394

INTERIOR FITTING FOR FREIGHT CARS Filed March 5, 1941 3 Sheets-Sheet lFIG.2.

I NV EN TOR.

sY VESTER E. HEBERT BY ATTORNEY? Dec. 30, 1941. s. E. 'HEBERT 2,268,394

INTERIOR FITTING FOR FREIGHT CARS Filed March 3, 1941 3 Sheets-Sheet 2FIG. 7. FIG.8.

A TTORNE YS Dec. 30, 1941. s, HEBERT 2,268,394

INTERIOR FITTING FOR FREIGHT CARS Filed March 3, 1941 3 Sheets-Sheet 3VVVVV FIGJS.

FIG. l2.

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INVENTOR.

sY ESTER a HEBERT BY /M)&ZL MM ATTORNEYS Patented Dec. 30, 1941 INTERIORFITTING FOR FREIGHT CARS Sylvester E. Hebert, Detroit, Mich., assignorto Whitehead & Kalcs Company, River Rouge, Mich., a corporation ofMichigan Application March 3, 1941, Serial No. 381,575

22 Claims.

This invention relates generally to interior fittings for freight carsand refers more particularly to adjustable crossbars designed for use inconnection with the upright walls of box cars for supporting oranchoring freight therein.

Heretofore the side walls of box cars have been perforated for thereception of latch elements of supporting or partitioning members, butthe construction and arrangement of the latch elements and perforationshas been such that the members could not be adjusted to fit variouscontours of freight, and in some instances could not even with the aidof shims be adjusted against or close enough to the freight to take upplay or vibrations therebetween or to take up any slack caused by wearin'the perforations and latch elements mentioned. It was also found thatthe side walls containing the perforations had a tendency to bulgeand/or weave when the box cars traveled around curves, and thissometimes caused withdrawal of the latch elements from the perforations.As a result, such structures were objectionable and unsatisfactory.

In the present instance the crossbars are constructed so that l) a fineror closer adjustment of the bars relative to the freight or load may beobtained, (2) all play, slack and vibrations between the bars and sidewalls of the box car may be taken up automatically, (3) the bars may beadjusted to fit various contours of freight, (4) the desired adjustmentof the bars may be obtained without the use of shims, (5) the bars willadjust themselves automatically to compensate for variations in thewidth between side walls of the box cars, and (6) the connectionsbetween the bars and side plates of the box cars will be effectivelymaintained without danger of accidental withdrawal or separation of thebars from the side walls of the box car.

In the accompanying drawings:

Figure l is a fragmentary side elevation of one of the perforate uprightwalls of a box car;

Figure 2 is a vertical cross sectional view through the upright walls ofa box car and showing the first step of applying a crossbar embodying myinvention to the side walls;

Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2 and showing the second step ofapplying the crossbar to the upright walls;

Figure 4 is a view similar to Figures 2 and 3 1 before the properadjustment between the end plates has been made and before the springpress-ed dogs carried by the latch bolts are in locked position;

Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4 showing the crossbar when fullylocked to the upright walls of the box car;

Figure 6 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 6-6 ofFigure 5;

Figure '7 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 1-1 ofFigure 4;

Figure 8 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 8-8 ofFigure 5;

Figure 9 is an end view of the crossbar;

Figure 10 is a diagrammatic view showing the application of theattaching members I6 to the perforations ID in the upright wall B of thebox car, upon insertion of the attaching members into the perforationsand before the attaching members are slid lengthwise of theperforations;

Figure 11 is a view similar to Figure 10 showing the arrangement ofparts after the attaching members It have been slid lengthwise of theperforations and after the spring pressed blocks 48 have snapped intolocking position;

Figure 12 is a perspective view of the end plate I5.

Figures 13, 14 and 15 are fragmentary vertical sectional views through aslight modification;

Figure 16 is a sectional view taken on line Iii-l6 of Figure 13.

Referring now to the drawings, A and B, respectively, are upright wallsof a box car,.and C is a crossbar embodying my invention,

As shown, the upright walls A and B are similar in configuration andeach has a plurality of perforations or openings l0 therein. Such WallsA and B are preferably formed of heavy gauge sheet metal and may besupported in opposed spaced relation in any suitablemanner. As shown,the perforations ID are spaced apart in horizontal rows, with theperforations of ad jacent rows staggered relative to each other. Eachperforation is of double key-hole-shaped type and has a circular centerportion H and aligned end portions i2 at diametrically opposite sides ofthe circular center portion.

The crossbar C extends between and is terminally connected to theupright walls A and B of the box car. Preferably the crossbar is formedof relatively heavy metal stock and has a sectional body it, end platesi4 and 55, respectively, and attaching members is. In the presentinstance the body 53 comprises three sections ii, l8 and is,respectively, and extends between the end plates l4. As shown, the endsections l1 and i9 are tubular in form, while the central orintermediate section It may be any suitable construction andconfiguration and has cylindrical end portions 20 and 2|, respectively,extending within adjacent ends of the tubular sections l1 and I9. In thepresent instance the central section I8 is mounted to turn in the endsections l1 and I!) but is slidable within the end section I! only. Forthis purpose there is a collar 22 rigid with the cylindrical end portion20 of the central section l8 and engageable with an annulus 23 withinand rigid with the end section H at its inner end, and two collars 24and 25, respectively, rigid .ceiving a spring pressed plunger 28 forholding the central section l8 in adjusted position relative to the endsections l1 and IS.

The end plates l4 and I! are disposed at the outer ends of the endsections l1 and I8 of the bar and are adapted to cooperate with eachother to hold the bar in adjusted vertical or horizontal positionsrelative to the perforated upright walls A and B of the box car. Asshown, the inner plates l4 extend across and are rigid with the outerends of the end sections H and I8, while the outer plates I! areadjustable relative to the inner plates I4 and carry on their outersides two laterally spaced attaching members l8 which are preferably inthe form of headed lugs that are engageable with the perforations III inthe upright walls A and B. As shown, the inner face of the outer plate Iis provided throughout substantially its entire area with spaced pointedteeth 38 that are engageable with correspondingly shaped sockets 3| inthe outer face of the inner plate H, the arrangement being such that theteeth 38 of the outer plate l5 are engageable with the opposed sockets3| in the inner plate |4 according to the adjustment vertically andhorizontally that is made between said plates.

For coupling the outer and inner plates together so that the teeth 38will be held in the proper sockets 3| according to the adjustment thatis made, there are bolts 32 that extend through horizontally elongatedslots 33 in the inner plates l4 and through vertically elongated slots34 in the outer plates IS. The heads 35 of the bolts 32 are received inrecesses 38 in the outer sides of the outer plates i5 and cooperate withcam blocks 31 and spring pressed dogs 38 upon the inner sides of theinner plates H to hold the plates l4 and I5 together. As shown, the camblocks .31 are I-shape in cross section and slidably engage verticalslots 38 in the bolts 32. The cam faces 48 of said blocks curvedownwardly and inwardly and are adapted to be engaged by the roundedfree ends 4| of the spring pressed dogs 38. Such dogs 38 are movablevertically in the slots 38 about pivot pins 42 and are urged downwardlyby springs 43 anchored at 44 upon lugs 45 rigid with the bolts 32.Projecting downwardly from the dogs 38 are lugs 48 which may be engagedby shown) that may be inserted through either of the elongated slots 41at diametrically opposite sides of the end section I! of the bar toeffect a release of the dogs 38 from th cam blocks 31.

To prevent accidental withdrawal of the attaching members I6 fromperforations |8 in the upright walls A and B, the slots ID are made longenough to permit the attaching members IE to slide lengthwise of theperforations and to receive spring pressed blocks 48 carried by theouter plates l5 adjacent to one of the attaching Thus, when the shanks48 of the athave been moved lengthwise of the perforations l8 from thecircular central portion II to one of the elongated end portions |2thereof after the heads 58 of the attaching members have been insertedthrough said central portions ll of the perforations, the spring pressedblocks 48 will snap into the other end portions |2 of said perforationsand thereby prea suitable tool (not' in the perforations clude the heads58 of the attaching members from accidentally sliding back intoregistration with and withdrawing from the circular central portions ofthe perforations.

Thus, from the foregoing it will be apparent that the crossbar C iseffectively locked by the headed attaching members or lugs l8 and springpressed blocks 48 to the upright plates A and B of the box car; that theadjustment between the plates l4 and I5 is much finer than that affordedby the spacing of the perforations l8 alone and thus permits the body |3of the crossbar to be positioned closer to the freight or point desiredwithin the box car; that the rotary adjustment of the central section |8relative to the end sections i1 and I8 of the body permits the centralsection l8 to be turned to the proper angle to fit various contours offreight; that the plunger 28 will hold the central section |8 inadjusted position relative to the end sections l1 and I8; that the bolts32 and spring pressed dogs 38 will affectively hold the plates I4 and ISin adjusted position; that the spring pressed dogs 38 will automaticallytake up any slack or play between the plates |4 rangement of the centersection |8 with the end section ll of the bar will compensate forvariations in the distance between the upright walls A and B of the boxcar. Such telescoping arrangement will also compensate automatically forvariations due to bulging or weaving action thereof while the box car isin motion, especially on curves. For example, the greater the vibrationof the box car, the more the dogs 38 will be tightened against the camblocks 31 to cause the plates l4 and I5 to be clamped tightly together.

In use, any number of crossbars such as the one described herein may beemployed between the upright walls A and B of the box car and may beused either as supporting members or as anchorage or tiebars for thefreight. Initially the headed attaching members l8 are inserted III inthe upright walls A and B and are then slid lengthwise of saidperforations to permit thespring pressed blocks 48 to enter theperforations and retain the attach- Wise, the crossbars ing memberstherein. Then the adjustment between the plates l4 and I5 is made bymoving the body |3 of the bar relative to the outer plates IS. Thehorizontal and vertical slots 33 and 34, respectively, in the inner andouter plates H and Hi and the construction and arrangement of the teeth38 and sockets 3| provide a very fine adjustment of the body portion l3of the bar relative to the freight. The dogs 38 and bolts 32 willautomatically lock the plate H in adjusted position. After theadjustment between the plates l4 and I5 is made, the center section I8of the body may be turned as illustrated in Figure 8 to fit more closelythe contour of the freight. If desired, partition members (not shown)may be carried by or connected to the crossbar-s if it is desired todivide the box car into compartments or chambers, or to accommodatefreight of different kinds, or for any other purpose. Likemay be used asbraces or as supports or as anchorage means for freight, as desired.

In Figures 13 to 16, inclusive, I have illustrated a slight modificationwherein a spring actuated slotted bar 88, instead of a spring presseddog 38 and cam block 31, is mounted on the bolt 32 to hold the endplates l4 and I5 together. As shown, the bar 68 is substantiallyrectangular in configuration and is located in the longitudinally andI5; and that the telescoping arextending vertical slot 39 in the bolt32. Such bar 60 has a longitudinally extending slot 6| therein receivinga pin 62 extending transversely of the bolt 32. The slot 6l hassubstantially parallel side walls 63 and 64 and is inclined relative tothe outer straight edge 65 of the bar. The lower outer corner of the baris cut away to provide 'an inclined surface 66 that is engageable with adownwardly and inwardly inclined surface 61 at the lower inner edge ofthe bolt opening 33 in the inner plate 14. Coil springs 68 and 69 arelocated upon opposite sides of the bar 60 and are terminally connectedto pins or lugs 10, H, I2 and 13, respectively, projecting laterallyfrom said bar 60 and bolt 32. Thus, when the plate I4 is adjustedrelative to the plate I? so that the proper sockets 3| in the plate Iwill receive the proper teeth 30 of the plate l5, the bar 60 will bemoved automatically by the springs 68 and 69 from the inclined positionillustrated in'Figure 13 to the upright position illustrated in Figure14 and thence downwardly to the position illustrated in Figure 15 tohold the plates i4 and 55 together. In this connection it will be notedthat the straight edge 85 of the bar 60 is engageable with the innerfiat surface of the end plate l4 and that the inclined arrangement ofthe slot 6! relative to said edge 65 is such that a cam action will beset up to not only hold the plates i i and i5 together but also to takeup automatically any slack or play between said plates. For example, thegreater the vibration of the box car, the more the bar 60 will be urgeddownwardly on the pin 62 by the springs 68 and 69 to tighten theengagement between the plates.

What I claim as my invention is:

l. The combination with a pair of opposed upright wall members, eachhaving a plurality of spaced perforations therein, of a supportingmember bridging the space between and adjustable relative to said wallmembers. said supporting member comprising a crossbar having a centralsection and end sections sleeved upon opposite ends of said centralsection, the central section being mounted to turn relative to both endsections and slidable longitudinally of at least one of said endsections, plates rigid with the end sections at their outer ends, andplates coupled to the plates just mentioned and having projectionsdetachably engaging selected perforations in the wall members aforesaid,the couplings between the first and last mentioned plates permitting thecrossbar and first mentionedplates as a unit to be adjusted horizontallyand vertically relative to the last mentioned plates and upright memberswhile the projections aforesaid are in engagement with said selectedperforations.

2. The combination with a pair of opposed upright wall members, eachhaving a plurality of spaced perforations therein, of a supportingmember bridging the space between and adjustable relative to said wallmembers, comprising a substantially horizontal crossbar provided at eachend thereof with inner and outer cooperating transversely extendingupright plates, the outer plates being provided on their outer sideswith outward projections detachably engaging selected perforations insaid wall members and provided upon their inner sides with inwardlyprojecting teeth, and the inner plates being rigid with the ends of thecrossbar and rovided in their outer sides with sockets for the receptionof the teeth on the outer plates, and couplings between the inner andouter plates normally holding the teeth in said sockets, said couplingseach end thereof with inner and outer cooperating plates, the outerplates being provided on their outer sides with outward projectionsdetachably engaging selected perforations in said wall members, and theinner plates being rigid with the ends of the crossbar and adjustablycoupled in surface-to-surface relation to the outer plates, the couplingbetween the inner and outer plates permitting the inner plates andcrossbar as a unit to be adjusted horizontally and vertically relativeto the outer plates.

LThe combination with a pair of opposed upright wall members, eachhaving a plurality of spaced perforations therein, of a supportingmember bridging the space between and adjustable relative to said wallmembers comprising a substantially horizontal crossbar provided at eachend thereof with inner and outer cooperating plates, the outer platesbeing provided on their outer sides with outward projections detachablyengaging selected perforations in said wall members, and the innerplates being rigid with the ends of the crossbar and adjustably coupledin surface-to-surface relation to the outer plates, the coupling betweenthe inner and outer plates including bolt and slot connections betweensaid outer and inner plates permitting the inner plates and crossbar asa unit to be adjusted horizontally and vertically relative to the outerplates.

5. The combination with a pair of opposed upright wall members, eachhaving a plurality of spaced perforations therein, of a supportingmember bridging the space between and adjustable relative to said wallmembers comprising a substantially horizontal crossbar provided at eachend thereof with inner and outer cooperating plates, the outer platesbeing provided on their outer sides with outward projections detachablyengaging selected perforations in said wall members, and the innerplates being rigid with the ends of the crossbar and adjustably coupledin surface-to-surface relation to the outer plates, the coupling betweenthe inner and outer plates including bolt and slot connections betweensaid outer and inner plates permitting the inner plates and crossbar asa unit to be adjusted horizontally and vertically relative to the outerplates, and means cooperating with said bolt and slot connections forholding the inner plates and crossbar in adjusted position relative tothe outer plates.

6. The combination with a pair of opposed upright wall members, eachhaving a plurality of spaced perforations therein, of a supportingmember bridging the space between and adjustable relative to said wallmembers, said supporting member comprising a crossbar, plates rigid withsaid crossbar at opposite ends thereof, one

plate at each end, and plates adjustably coupled to the plates justmentioned and having projectrons detachably engaging selectedperforations in said wall members, the couplings between the first andlast mentioned plates permitting the crossbar and first mentioned platesas a unit to be adjusted horizontally and vertically relative to thelast mentioned plates and upright members while the projections are inengagement with the selected perforations and including means operableautomatically when subjected to vibration for taking up play between thefirst and last mentioned plates after an adjustment therebetween hasbeen made.

7. The combination with a pair of opposed upright wall members, eachhaving a plurality of spaced perforations therein, of a supportingmember bridging the space between and adjustable relative to said wallmembers comprising a crossbar provided at each end thereof with innerand outer plates normally disposed in opposed substantially parallelrelation to each other, the inner plates being rigid with the ends ofsaid crossbar, the outer plates being separate from the inner plates andhaving outward projections detachably engaging selected perforations insaid wall members, the crossbar having relatively movable sections, theopposed surfaces of said inner and outer plates having mating portionsadapted to be separated from each other upon movement of one section ofthe crossbar relative to another, and couplings between the inner andouter plates permitting the crossbar and inner plates as a unit to beadjusted a predetermined distance horizontally and vertically over theinner surfaces of the outer plates when the mating portions of saidplates are separated and while i the projections aforesaid are inengagement with said selected perforations, so that the crossbar may bepositioned relatively close to a load between the opposed upright wallmembers, said couplings including means for holding the mating portionsof said plates in engagement with each other after the adjustmentaforesaid is made.

8. The combination with a pair of opposed upright wall members, eachhaving a plurality of spaced perforations therein, of a supportingmember bridging the space between and adjustable relative to said wallmembers comprising a crossbar having a center section and end sectionssleeved on opposite ends of the center section, inner and outer platesat each end of the crossbar disposed in opposed substantially parallelrelation to each other, the inner plates being rigid with the endsections, the outer plates being separate from the inner plates andhaving projections detachably engaging selected perforations in the wallmembers, said center section being rotatable relative to both endsections, one of said end sections being slidable lengthwise of thecenter section, the opposed surfaces of said inner and outer plateshaving mating portions adapted to be separated from each other uponmovement of the slidable end section of the crossbar relative to thecenter section thereof, and couplings between the inner and outer platespermitting the crossbar and inner plates as a unit to be adjusted apredetermined distance horizontally and vertically over the innersurfaces of the outer plates when the mating portions of said plates areseparated and while the projections aforesaid are in engagement withsaid selected perforations, so that the crossbar may be positionedrelatively close to a load between the opposed upright wall members,said couplings including means for holding the mating portions of saidplates in engagement with each other after the adjustment aforesaid ismade.

9. The combination with a pair of opposed upright wall members, eachhaving a plurality of spaced perforations therein, of a supportingmember bridging the space between and adjustable relative to said wallmembers comprising a crossbar extending between said wall members. andinner and outer plates at each end of said crossbar disposed in opposedsubstantially parallel relation to each other, the inner plates beingrigid with the crossbar, the outer plates being separate from the innerplates and having outward projections detachably engaging selectedperforations in said wall members, the crossbar having relativelymovable sections, the opposed surfaces of said inner and outer plateshaving mating portions adapted to be separated from each other uponmovement of one section of the crossbar relative to another, andcouplings between the inner and outer plates permitting the crossbar andinner plates as a unit to be adjusted a predetermined distancehorizontally and vertically over the inner surfaces of the outer plateswhen the mating portions of said plates are separated and while theprojections aforesaid are in engagement with said selected perforations,so that the crossbar may be positioned relatively close to a loadbetween the opposed upright wall members, said couplings including boltsextending through crossed slots respectively in said opposed plates, theheads of said bolts being upon the outer sides of the outer plates, andspring actuated cam means carried by said bolts on the inner sides ofthe inner plates and operable to hold the mating portions of said platesin engagement with each other after the adjustment aforesaid is made andto take up play between said inner and outer plates.

10. The combination with a pair of opposed upright wall members, eachhaving a plurality of spaced perforations therein, of a supportingmember bridging the space between and adjustable relative to said wallmembers comprising a crossbar extending between said well members, andinner and outer plates at each end of said crossbar disposed in opposedsubstantially parallel relation to each other, the inner plates beingrigid with the crossbar, the outer plates being separate from the innerplates and having outward projections detachably engaging selectedperforations in said wall members, the crossbar having relativelymovable sections, the'opposed surfaces of said inner and outer plateshaving mating portions adapted to be separated from each other uponmovement of one section of the crossbar relative to another, andcouplings between the inner and outer plates permitting the crossbar andinner plates as a unit to be adjusted a predetermined distancehorizontally and verticallyover the inner surfaces of the outer plateswhen the mating portions of said plates are separated and while theprojections aforesaid are in engagement with said selected perforations,so that the crossbar may be positioned relatively close to a loadbetween the opposed upright wall members, said couplings including boltsextending through crossed slots respectively in said opposed plates, theheads of said bolts being upon the outer sides of the outer plates, andcam means carried by said bolts upon the inner sides of the inner platesand operable after the adjustment aforesaid is made to hold the matingportions of said plates in engagement with each other and to take upplay between said inner and outer plates and between the projections onthe outer plates and the upright wall members.

11. The combination with a pair of opposed upright wall members, eachhaving a plurality of spaced perforations therein, of a supportingmember bridging the space between and adjustable relative to said wallmembers comprising a crossbar extending between said wall members, innerand outer plates at each end of said crossbar disposed in opposedsubstantially parallel relation to each other, the inner plates beingrigid with the crossbar, the outer plates being separate from the innerplates and having outward projections detachably engaging selectedperforations in said wall members, the crossbar having relativelymovable sections, the opposed surfaces of said inner and outer plateshaving mating por tions adapted to be separated from each other uponmovement of one section of the crossbar relative to another, andcouplings between the inner and outer plates permitting the crossbar andinner plates as a unit to be adjusted a predetermined distancehorizontally and vertically over the inner surfaces of the outer plateswhen the mating portions of said plates are separated and while theprojections aforesaid are in engagement with said selected perforations,so that the crossbar may be positioned relatively close to a loadbetween the opposed upright wall members, said couplings includingelongated members extending through crossed slots respectively in saidopposed plates, said elongated members having enlargements upon theouter sides of the outer plates, and means carried by said elongatedmembers upon the inner sides of the inner plates and operable after theadjustment aforesaid is made to hold the mating portions of said platesin engagement with each other.

12. The combination with a pair of opposed upright wall members, eachhaving a plurality of spaced perforations therein, of a supportingmember bridging the space between and adjust able relative to said wallmembers, said supporting member comprising a crossbar having a centralsection and end sections sleeved upon opposite ends of said centralsection, the central section being mounted to turn relative to both endsections, one of said end sections being slidable lengthwise of thecenter section, plates rigid with the end sections at their outer ends,and plates separate from but disposed in opposed substantially parallelrelation to the first mentioned plates, the second mentioned plateshaving projections detachably engaging selected perforations in the wallmembers aforesaid, the opposed surfaces of the first and secondmentioned plates having mating portions adapted to be separated fromeach other upon movement of the slidable end section relative to thecenter section, and couplings between the first and second mentionedplates permitting the crossbar and first mentioned plates as a unit tobe adjusted a predetermined distance horizontally and vertically overthe inner surfaces of the second mentioned plates when the matingportions of said plates are separated and while the projectionsaforesaid are in engagement with said selected perforations, so that thecrossbar may be positioned relatively close to a load between theopposed upright wall members, said couplings including bolts extendingthrough crossed slots respectively in said opposed plates, the heads ofsaid bolts being upon the outer sides of the second mentioned plates,and spring actuated cam means connected to said bolts on the inner sidesof the first mentioned plates and operable after the adjustmentaforesaid is made to hold the mating portions of said plates inengagement with each other and to take up play between said first andsecond mentioned plates.

13. The combination with a pair of opposed upright wall members, eachhaving a plurality of spaced perforations therein, of a supportingmember bridging the space between and adjustable relative to said wallmembers, said supporting member comprising a crossbar having a centralsection and end sections sleeved upon opposite ends of said centralsection, the central section being mounted to turn relative to both endsections, one of said end sections being slidable lengthwise of thecenter section, plates rigid with the end sections at their outer ends,plates sepa-- rate from but disposed in opposed substantially parallelrelation to the first mentioned plates, the second mentioned plateshaving outward projections detachably engaging selected perforations inthe wall members aforesaid, the opposed surfaces of said first andsecond mentioned plates having mating portions adapted to be separatedfrom each other upon movement of the slidable end section relative tothe central section of the crossbar, and couplings between the first andsecond mentioned plates permitting the crossbar and first mentionedplates as a unit to be adjusted a predetermined distance horizontallyand vertically over the inner surfaces of the second mentioned plateswhen the mating portions of said plates are separated and'while theprojections aforesaid are in engagement with said selected perforations,so that the crossbar may be positioned relatively close to a loadbetween the opposed upright wall members, said couplings including boltsextending through crossed horizontal and vertical slots respectively insaid opposed plates, the heads of said bolts being upon the outer sidesof the second mentioned plates, and cam means carried by said bolts uponthe inner sides of the first mentioned plates and operable after theadjustment aforesaid is made to hold the mating portions of said platesin engagement with each other and to take up play between said first andsecond mentioned plates and between the projections of the secondmentioned plates and the upright wall members;

14. The combination with a pair of opposed upright wall members, eachhaving a plurality of spaced perforations therein, of a supportingmember bridging the space between and adjustable relative to said wallmembers, said supporting member comprising a crossbar, plates rigid withsaid crossbar at opposite ends thereof, one plate at each end, platesseparate from the plates aforesaid and having projections detachablyengaging selected perforations in said wall members, and couplingsbetween the first and second mentioned plates permitting the crossbarand first mentioned plates as a unit to be adjusted a predetermineddistance horizontally and vertically relative to the second mentionedplates and upright members when the mating portions of the plates areseparated and while the projections aforesaid are in engagement withsaid selected perforations, so that the crossbar may be positionedrelatively close to a load between the opposed upright wall members,said couplings including means for holding the mating portions of saidplates in" engagement with each other after the adjustment aforesaid ismade.

15. The combination with a pair of opposed upright wall members, eachhaving a plurality of spaced perforations therein, each perforationbeing elongated in form and provided with a circular portion and narrowportions at diametrically opposite sides of said circular portion, of asupporting member bridging the space between and adjustable relative tosaid wall members, said supporting member comprising a crossbar, uprightplates rigid with said crossbar at opposite ends thereof, one plate ateach end, and upright plates separate from the plates aforesaid andhaving projections detachably engaging selected perforations in saidwall members, each of said projections having portions substantiallycorresponding in cross section to the narrow and circular portionsaforesaid of the selected perforations, the length of the narrowportions of said projections being less than the length of the narrowportions of said selected perforations so that such projections may beslid lengthwise of the perforations toward one end thereof after beinginserted therein to cause the circular part of the projections to bepositioned in rear of the narrow portions of the perforations, means forpreventing accidental withdrawal of the projections from the selectedperforations including means carried by the last mentioned plates andengageable with the selected perforations after the projectionsmentioned have been slid in said perforations as aforesaid, the crossbarhaving relatively movable sections, the first and second mentionedplates being in opposed substantially parallel relation to each other,the opposed surfaces of said plates having mating portions adapted to beseparated from each other upon movement of one section of the crossbarrelative to another, and couplings between the first and secondmentioned plates permitting the crossbar and first mentioned plates as aunit to be adjusted a predetermined distance horizontally and verticallyover the inner surfaces of the second mentioned plates when the matingportions of said plates are separated and while the projectionsaforesaid are in engagement with said selected perforations, so thatthecrossbar may be positioned relatively close to a load between theopposed upright wall members, said couplings including means for holdingthe mating portions of said plates in engagement with each other afterthe adjustment aforesaid is made.

16. The combination with a pair of opposed upright wall members, eachhaving a plurality of spaced perforations therein, of a supportingmember bridging the space between and adjustable relative to said wallmembers comprising a crossbar having a center section and end sectionssleeved on opposite ends of the center section, inner and outer platesat each end of the crossbar disposed in opposed substantially parallelrelation to each other, the inner plates being rigid with the endsections, the outer plates being separate from the inner plates andhaving projections detachably engaging selected perforations in the wallmembers, said center section being rotatable relative to both endsections, one of said end sections being slidable lengthwise of thecenter section, the opposed surfaces of said inner and outer plateshaving mating portions adapted to be separated from each other uponmovement of the slidable end section of the cross- I bar relative to thecenter section thereof, and

couplings between the inner and outer plates permitting the crossbar andinner plates as a unit to be adjusted a predetermined distancehorizontally and vertically over the inner surfaces of the outer plateswhen the mating portions of said plates are separated and while theprojections aforesaid are in engagement with said selected perforations,so that the crossbar may be positioned relatively close to a loadbetween the opposed upright wall members, said couplings including boltsextending through crossed slots respectively in said opposed plates, theheads of said bolts being upon the outer sides of the outer plates, andmeans carried by said bolts upon the inner sides of the inner plates andoperable after the adjustmentaforesaid is made to hold the matingportions of said plates in engagement with each other.

17. The combination with a pair of opposed upright wall members, eachhaving a plurality of spaced perforations therein, of a supportingmember bridging the space between and adjustable relative to said wallmembers, comprising a crossbar having a center section and separate endsections extending lengthwise of said center section, the center sectionbeing rotatable relative to both end sections, one of said end sectionsbeing slidable lengthwise of the center section, opposed inner and outerplates at each end of the crossbar, the inner plates being secured tothe end sections, the outer plates being separate from the inner platesand having projections detachably engaging selected perforations in thewall members, the opposed surfaces of said inner and outer plates havingmating portions adapted to be separated from each other upon movement ofthe slidable end section of the crossbar relative to the center sect-ionthereof, and couplings between the inner and outer plates permitting thecrossbar and inner plates as a unit to be adjusted a predetermineddistance horizontally and vertically over the inner surfaces of theouter plates when the mating portions of said plates are separated andwhile the projections aforesaid are in engagement with said selectedperforations,

so that the crossbar may be positioned relatively close to a loadbetween the opposed upright wall members, said couplings including meansfor holding the mating portions of said plates in engagement with eachother after the adjustment aforesaid is made.

18. The combination with a pair of opposed upright wall members, eachhaving a plurality of spaced perforations therein, of a supportingmember bridging the space between and adjustable relative to said wallmembers, comprising a crossbar having a center section and separate endsections extending lengthwise of said center section, the center sectionbeing rotatable relative to both end sections, means carried by one ofsaid end sections and engageable with the center section for holding thelatter against rotation, the other of said end sections being slidablelengthwise of the center section, opposed inner and outer plates at eachend of the crossbar, the inner plates being secured to the end sections,the outer plates being separate from the inner plates and havingprojections detachably engaging selected perforations in the wallmembers, the opposed surfaces of said inner and outer plates havingmating portions adapted to be separated from each other upon movement ofthe slidable end section of the crossbar relative to the center sectionthereof, and couplings between the inner and outer plates permitting thecrossbar and inner plates as a unitto be adjusted a predetermineddistance horizontally and vertically over the inner surfaces of theouter plates when the mating portions of said plates are separated andwhile the projections aforesaid are in porting member bridging the spacebetween and adjustable relative to said wall members, said supportingmember comprising a crossbar, plates rigid with said crossbar atopposite ends thereof, one plate at each end, and plates separate fromand opposed to the plates aforesaid and having projections detachablyengaging selected perforations in said wall members, each of saidprojections having portions substantially corresponding in cross sectionto the narrow and circular portions aforesaid of the selectedperforations, the length of the narrow portions of said projectionsbeing less than the length of the narrow portions of said selectedperforations so that such projections may be slid lengthwise of theperforations toward one end thereof after being inserted therein tocause the circular part of the projections to be positioned in rear ofthe narrow portions of the perforations, means for preventing accidentalwithdrawal of the projections from the selected perforations includingmeans carried by the last mentioned plates and engageable with theselected perforations after the projections mentioned have been slid insaid perforations as aforesaid, and couplings between the first andsecond mentioned plates permitting the crossbar and first mentionedplates as a unit to be adjusted a predetermined distance horizontallyand vertically over the inner surfaces of the second mentioned plateswhile the projections aforesaid are in engagement with said selectedperforations, so that the crossbar may be positioned relatively close toa load between the opposed upright wall members, said couplingsincluding means for holding said plates in engagement with each otherafter the adjustment aforesaid is made.

20. The combination with a pair of opposed upright wall members, eachhaving a plurality of spaced perforations therein, of a supportingmember bridging the space between and adjustable relative to said wallmembers comprising a crossbar provided at each end thereof with opposedinner and outer plates, the inner plates being rigid with the ends ofsaid crossbar, the outer plates being separate from the inner plates andhaving outward projections detachably engaging selected perforations insaid wall members, the crossbar having relatively movable sections, theopposed surfaces of said inner and outer plates having mating portionsadapted to be separated from each other upon movement of one section ofthe crossbar relative to'another, couplings between the inner and outerplates permitting the crossbar and inner plates as ,a unit to beadjusted a predetermined distance horizontally and vertically over theinner surfaces of the outer plates when the mating portions of saidplates are separated and while the projections aforesaid are inengagement with said selected perforations, so that the crossbar may bepositioned relatively close to a load between the opposed upright wallmembers, said couplings ineluding means for holding the mating portionsof said plates in engagement' with each other after the adjustmentaforesaid is made, and means carried by the outer plates and engageablewith said wall members for preventing accidental withdrawal of theprojections from the selected perforations in said wall members.

21. The combination with a pair of opposed upright wall members, eachhaving a plurality of spaced elongated perforations therein, of asupporting member bridging the space between and adjustable relative tosaid wall members, said supporting member comprising a substantiallyhorizontal crossbar having laterally spaced transversely extendingelongated projections carried by and projecting endwise from each endthereof and detachably engaging selected perforations in said wallmembers, the crossbar having at least two sections, one being slidablelengthwise of the other whereby the over-all length of the crossbar maybe increased or decreased to compensate for any variation in the spacebetween the' upright wall members, the length of said elongatedprojections being less than the length of said selected perforations sothat such projections may be slid lengthwise of the perforations towardone end thereof after being inserted therein to cause portions of theprojections to engage the outer sides of said wall members, and meansfor preventing accidental withdrawal of the projections from theselected perforations including spring actuated means carried by thecrossbar at opposite ends thereof and automatically engageable with atleast one of the selected perforations in each wall member after theprojections mentioned have been slid in said perforations as aforesaid,said spring actuated means substantially filling the space provided insaid engaged perforations after the projections therein have been slidas aforesaid.

22. The combination with a pair of opposed upright wall members, eachhaving a plurality of spaced elongated perforations therein, of asupporting member bridging the space between and adjustable relative tosaid wall members, said supporting member comprising a substantiallyhorizontal crossbar having laterally spaced transversely extendingelongated projections carried by and projecting endwise from each endthereof and inserted through selected perforations in said wall members,the crossbar having at least two sections, one being slidable lengthwiseof the other whereby the over-all length of the crossbar may beincreased or decreased to compensate for any variation in the spacebetween the upright wall members, the length of said elongatedprojections being less than the length of said selected perforations sothat such projections may be slid lengthwise of the perforations towardone end thereof after being inserted therethrough to cause a part ofeach projection to engage the outer side of the wall member throughwhich it is inserted, and means for preventing accidental withdrawal ofthe projections from the selected perforations including means carriedby the crossbar and engageable automatically with at least one selectedperforation in each wall member after the projections have been slid inthe perforations as aforesaid to prevent the projections from slidingback in said perforations, the automatic means being .manuallyreleasable to permit the projections to be disengaged from said selectedperforations.

' SYLVESTER E, HEBERT.

